There was plenty of criticism directed Chelsea’s way after the Blues were defeated 3-1 by Leeds United in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca’s side were coming into the game off the back of an unbeaten November, and mammoth performances against Barcelona and Arsenal.
However, Chelsea’s nightmare record at Elland Road continued, and all of a sudden they find themselves fourth in the table, nine points behind the league leaders.
Who deserves most of the blame for Chelsea’s loss to Leeds?
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Maresca knew he was going to be missing Moises Caicedo for the game after his red card, but took the risk of also not starting Reece James, Pedro Neto and Wesley Fofana.
FBL-ENG-PR-LEEDS-CHELSEA
Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
Daniel Sturridge says Chelsea need someone like Thiago Silva after Leeds defeat
Criticism is not new for the Chelsea players and staff to deal with, and one of the biggest complaints at the club since Todd Boehly took over was not having experienced heads amongst the talented younger players.
Daniel Sturridge echoed these thoughts in his post-match analysis for Sky Sports, stating that Chelsea would benefit from having someone like Thiago Silva in their ranks.
He said: “Caicedo and James are the most trusted defensive midfielders, and not having them in there I thought ‘this is too attacking’. It’s too explorative versus being in their positions, and that’s what you get with Caicedo and James, you get that solidarity.
“When you are going against a team, away, who are fighting for their lives, you know it’s going to be a tough game. The fans are up, the players who know what’s at stake, and they probably sensed an opportunity, and that’s where you need experienced players.
“Obviously Santos can develop into a top player, but you sometimes kind of need that older general who can sure things up and keep the players a bit more relaxed, and they missed that tonight.
“They need that. In moments like this, where the process is going, you need those figures. In every dressing room I’ve been in, you’ve always had one or two older players. They had a Thiago Silva in the past, now they’re lacking that.”
Daniel Sturridge attends the Sky Sports Opening Night party
Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images for Sky Sports
Sturridge has not identified the problem at Chelsea
One of the biggest counters to Sturridge’s argument is that Chelsea’s most experienced player was arguably their worst performer against Leeds.
Chelsea fans were not happy that Tosin Adarabioyo featured in the 3-1 defeat, and the Blues are far better off when he is not on the pitch.
The position that Chelsea MUST strengthen in 2026 is _ _ _ _ _ _
Chelsea owner Behdad Eghbali and directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart at Wolves game
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
The Chelsea players are gaining experience every week, and the likes of James, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella are leaders beyond their years.
The Blues should not sacrifice the very strong foundations of the project they have been building to go against their mantra, and instead realise these results are going to come their way at times, and learn the lessons they provide.